Introducing the Breguet Reine de Naples Coeur Eternal Love Limited Edition
In 1810, when Caroline Murat commissioned Breguet for a watch with special characteristics, she was far from imagining that it would probably be the first wristwatch ever produced.
But who was Caroline Murat? Caroline Murat was the younger sister of Napoleon Bonaparte and was Queen consort of Naples from 1803 to 1815, during her reign she was an impetus for the arts and acquired more than 30 Breguet watches. In 1810 the production of what would be the first wristwatch starts, this was a watch that was far from simple and that had as main features, an oval shape and a golden dial that afterwards and by indication of Caroline Murat ended up being replaced by a silver dial, the watch had some complications, like a repeater, a moon-phase indicator and a thermometer. The watch also came with a wristlet of hair and gold thread that allowed it to be attached to the wrist. This watch was named as the model no. 2639 and despite its historical importance its location or even existence remains unknown to this day.
The watch was delivered in 1812, about two and a half years after it was ordered and, in its execution, there were more than 17 professionals and the price was 5,000 Francs, which Breguet decided to take off 200 Francs and thus charge the final bill of 4,800 Francs. The watch according to Breguet’s records went into service in 1849 and returned again for review in 1855.
As many will know, the subject of who claims the creation of the first wristwatch is controversial, as Patek Philippe claimed the same title with the creation of its first wristwatch in 1868 for the Hungarian Countess Kocewicz.
Breguet has just revived the Reine of Naples, with the approach of Valentine’s Day, through a limited edition of the Reine Naples Coeur Eternal Love, this watch features an innovative mechanism of its minute hand through two independent arms in the shape of a heart that changes the shape (enlarging or shrinking) according to its position on the dial as the watch has an oval shape, also note that the minute hand also has a heart-shaped tip in red tones, the hours are given through a window placed bellow at 12 o’clock. The watch comes with a white enamel dial with red accents mounted on the rose gold case and features a bezel with 128 diamonds, the crown positioned at 4 o’clock comes adorned with a ruby. The watch also features a sapphire glass on the face and on the case back through which it is possible to observe its internal automatic movement. The watch comes with a red leather strap matching with accents on the dial and ruby crown.
As already mentioned, this is a limited edition of 28 pieces that will be available only in a selection of Breguet boutiques.
General Specifications:
Brand: Breguet
Model: Reine de Naples Coeur Eternal Love Limited Edition
Reference: 9825BR/S8/964/D00D
Dial: White enamel
Case Material: Rose gold
Case Dimensions: 28.45 mm Diameter, 36.50 mm height, 10.96 mm thickness
Crystal: Sapphire
Case Back: Sapphire
Water Resistance: 30 Meters
Strap: Red alligator leather strap with a triple folding buckle set with 28 diamonds
Caliber: 78A0
Functions: Hours, minutes
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 3.5 Hz
Jewels: 33
Power Reserve: 40 Hours
Components: 252
Price: By request
Availability: In a selection of Breguet boutiques
Limited Edition: 28 pieces